Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/1306—Details
  • G02F1/1309—Repairing; Testing
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
  • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
  • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
  • G01N21/47—Scattering, i.e. diffuse reflection
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/1303—Apparatus specially adapted to the manufacture of LCDs
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
  • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
  • G02F1/1334—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods based on polymer dispersed liquid crystals, e.g. microencapsulated liquid crystals
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
  • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
  • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
  • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
  • E06B2009/247—Electrically powered illumination

Definitions

• the present invention relates to quality assessment methods and devices, and, more specifically, to quality assessment concerning electric switchable devices.
• Switchable glass or switchable windows in its application to windows or skylights refer to glass or glazing that changes light transmission properties when voltage, light or heat is applied.
• the aforesaid glasses or windows control an amount of light (and thereby heat) transmission.
• the glass When activated, the glass changes from transparent to non-transparent and blocks some or all wavelengths of light.
• Different mechanisms such as electro-chromic, photochromic, thermo- chromic, suspended particle, micro-blind and liquid crystal can be used.
• liquid crystals are dissolved or dispersed into a liquid polymer followed by solidification or curing of the polymer.
• the liquid crystals become incompatible with the solid polymer and form droplets throughout the solid polymer.
• the curing conditions affect the size of the droplets that in turn affect the final operating properties of the "smart window".
• the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystals is placed between two layers of glass or plastic having a thin layer of a transparent, conductive material followed by curing of the polymer, thereby forming the basic sandwich structure of the smart window. This structure is in effect a capacitor.
• Electrodes from a power supply are attached to the transparent electrodes. With no applied voltage, the liquid crystals are randomly arranged in the droplets, resulting in scattering of light as it passes through the smart window assembly. This results in non-transparent appearance.
• a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the electric field formed between the two transparent electrodes on the glass causes the liquid crystals to align, allowing light to pass through the droplets with very little scattering and resulting in a transparent state.
• the degree of transparency can be controlled by the applied voltage. This is possible because at lower voltages, only a few of the liquid crystals align completely in the electric field, so only a small portion of the light passes through while most of the light is scattered.
• the aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first cover glass and a second cover glass; (b) providing a PDLC film or any other electrically switchable film; (c) providing a first layer of adhesive interlayer and a second layer of adhesive interlayer; (d) providing an inspection station further comprising: (i) a levelled-up table; (ii) means for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; (e) placing said first cover glass onto said levelled-up table; (f) spreading a first layer of adhesive interlayer; (g) spreading said PDLC film over the previously placed adhesive interlayer; (h) spreading a second layer of adhesive interlayer; (i) covering said PDLC film by means of said second cover glass; (j) laminating said PDLC film between said first and second cover glasses; and (k) inspecting said glass properties by means of said
• Another object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of projecting extension bars configured for supporting oversized electric switchable devices.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of tilting said electric switchable devices.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting mechanical properties comprising visually inspecting a glass surface and measuring glass overall dimensions.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting optical properties comprising measuring optical transmittance/haze of the electric switchable device and uniformity thereof over said electric switchable device.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting optical properties comprising inspecting a haze degree by means of measuring a time resolved spectral dependence of transmittance pertaining to said electric switchable device.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting optical properties comprising illuminating said electric switchable device by backlight LED.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of illuminating said electric switchable device by backlight performed by mean of a light source selected from the group consisting of a white light source, a white light source provided with a spectral filter, a laser and any combination thereof.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting optical properties is performed by at least 5 sensors distributed over a surface of the electric switchable device.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting optical properties performed by means of line-by-line scanning.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting optical properties comprising inspecting specific pixels of the electric switchable film or laminated glass performed by microscopic means.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting electric properties comprising measuring values of electric current, resistance, capacitance and power consumption.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of measuring values of electric current, resistance, capacitance and power consumption performed by a square wave 70 VAC at frequency ranging between 25 and 50 Hz.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step first energizing said electric switchable device by means of an initial ramp-up train of pulses.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the initial ramp-up comprising a pulse train of increasing amplitude; pulses of said train are characterized by changeable pulse duration and time interval therebetween.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the method in which the electric switchable device is prevented from applying DC voltage.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the method comprising a step of authenticating said electric switchable device.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of authenticating said electric switchable device performed by means of recognizing a label identifier on a surface of said electric switchable device or embedded into said electric switchable device.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the label identifier, which is an electromagnetically detectable label.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the label identifier selected from the group consisting of an RFID tag, a computer chip, a graphic label on a surface of said electric switchable device or therewithin, which is detectable visually and/or instrumentally.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of authenticating said electric switchable device comprising real time reporting malfunction incidents to a manufacturer server in a wireless manner.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose the step of inspecting electric properties performed before installing said electric switchable device in situ.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose a method of quality assurance producing electric switchable devices; said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing an electric switchable device; (b) providing an inspection station further comprising: (i) a test table; (ii) means for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof during production and during installation on site; (c) placing said glass onto said table; (d) inspecting said properties by means of said inspection station.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose a test station for inspection of an electric switchable device operative in the method of providing a first cover glass and a second cover glass; providing a PDLC film or any other electrically switchable film; providing a first layer of adhesive interlayer and a second layer of adhesive interlayer; providing an inspection station further comprising: a levelled-up table; means for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; placing said first cover glass onto said levelled-up table; spreading a first layer of adhesive interlayer; spreading said PDLC film over said previously placed adhesive interlayer; spreading a second layer of adhesive interlayer; covering said PDLC film by means of said second cover glass; laminating said PDLC film between said first and second cover glasses; and inspecting said glass properties by means of said PDLC inspection station; wherein said inspecting step is performed before and after said step of laminating said electric switchable film.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose a test station for inspection of an electric switchable device operative in the method of providing an electric switchable device; providing an inspection station further comprising: a test table; means for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; placing said glass onto said table; inspecting said properties by means of said inspection station; wherein said inspecting step is performed before and after said step of laminating said electric switchable film.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose a test station for inspection of an electric switchable device operative in any of the above-mentioned methods and combination thereof.
• a further object of the invention is to disclose a handheld installation device aim to test the electric switchable device on the installation site before glazing the glass panel.
• Fig. 1 is a prospective view of a test station table with an exploded electric switchable device
• Fig. 2 is a prospective view of a test station where an electric switchable film is spread over a bottom glass;
• Fig. 3 is a prospective view of a test station with a laminated electric switchable device
• Figs 4a and 4b are photographs of an electric switchable device test station in levelled and tilted positions
• Figs 5 a and 56b are photographs of an electric switchable device test station in an extended position
• Fig. 6 is a schematic view of backlighting matrix
• Fig. 7 is a photograph of a computerized measuring device
• Fig. 8 is a photograph of a handheld optical probe
• Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating optical probe operation
• Fig. 10 is a flowchart of a method of quality assessment of an electric switchable device
• Fig. 11 is schematically illustrating a secured and securing system (900) for ensuring the quality and functioning of a window element and constructions and systems comprising the same.
• electrical switchable device hereinafter refers to a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film or glass including a polymer dispersed (among them low-molar-mass) liquid crystal film or glass abbreviated as PDLC, PDSLC, PDCLC and PDNLC, respectively. Suspended particle and electrochromic devices are in the scope of the abovementioned definition.
• a test station of the present invention is designed for quality verification functional inspection within production process of electric switchable devices.
• the purpose of the previously mentioned inspection is to keep faulty products to minimum. Electric and optical properties of each produced electric switchable device are characterized and documented in an individual manner.
• the test station comprises a test table designed for supporting the electric switchable device to be tested during quality inspection.
• the previously mentioned table constitutes a frame structure with extension bars for supporting electric switchable devices of bigger sizes.
• the electric switchable devices of any size can be tested on the disclosed test station.
• the test table is designed for tilting the supported electric switchable device. For this reason, a tiltable portion of the table is provided with a counter balancer to provide smoothness of tiltable portion.
• the test station is designed for characterization of the electric switchable devices concerning optical properties. Spectral dependence of optical transmittance/haze degree is measured by at least 5 sensors distributed over a surface of the electric switchable device. Line -by-line scanning of the optical properties of the electric switchable devices is also in the scope of the present invention. Optical transmittance/haze degree can be measured in both white and monochromatic light. For this reason, conventional light sources with spectral filters and lasers can be used.
• the test station can be provided with microscopic means designed for testing a specific pixel of the electric switchable film or laminated glass.
• the test station is also configured for time resolved optical characteristic of the electric switchable devices for characterization of change in optical transmittance/haze degree in response to applying AC square voltage pulse sequence.
• Any electric switchable device produced according to the present invention has a unique label identifier embedded inside which is detectable visually or instrumentally.
• the previously mentioned identifier dually functions in passive and active modes.
• passive mode the visually or instrumentally readable identifier carries data concerning operability and/or malfunction history of electric switchable devices.
• active mode the identifier is configured for transmitting data concerning operability and/or malfunction to a server of the manufacturer.
• the manufacturer commands comprehensive information in real time and can provide better service with lower operation costs and extend a warrant/assurance scope.
• electric switchable device history is documented belongs to a specific article and is independent on a specific contractor dealing with electric switchable device mounting and maintenance.
• the described function can be implemented by means of embedded switchable RFID tag or computer chip replying for an outer query or transmitting data to the manufacturer server.
• Fig, 1 presenting a levelled-up table 10 of a test station and a first cover glass 20, a first layer of adhesive interlayer 25; an electric switchable film 30; a second layer of adhesive interlayer 35 and a second cover glass 40 prepared for an operation of lamination in a schematic view.
• the first cover glass 20 is placed onto the levelled-up table 10.
• Fig. 2 showing a next technological operation of spreading of the electric switchable film 30 over the first layer of adhesive interlayer 25 and the first cover glass 20.
• the electric switchable film 30 spread over the first layer of adhesive interlayer 25 and the first cover glass 20 is electrically and optically tested before an operation of lamination.
• electric terminals (not shown) of the electric switchable film 30 are connected to a computerized measuring device 50 which is preprogrammed for applying a square wave of 70 VAC to the aforesaid electric terminals of the electric switchable film 30 at frequency ranging between 25 Hz and 50 Hz, for example, 25 Hz, 32 Hz and 50 Hz.
• a first voltage application is performed with ramping up train of pulses to avoid electric shorts and technological defects of the electric switchable film 30 and to extend the lifetime of the electric switchable device.
• the following parameters are subject to inspection: current consumption, resistance of the electric switchable film, capacitance of the electric switchable film, power consumption of the entire glass, power consumption per m , light transmittance and haze degree. Measuring the abovementioned electric and optical parameters at other voltage and frequencies are also in the scope of the present invention.
• the computerized measuring device 50 is also preprogrammed for preventing the electric switchable film 30 from applying overvoltage and any DC voltage during the inspecting its electric and optical properties.
• optical properties such as transmittance and haze degree are inspected by means of through-transmission testing.
• a source of light and a light detector (not shown) are disposed on opposite sides of an article to be inspected and transmittance and haze degree are measured.
• FIG. 3 illustrating a final inspection of mechanical, optical and electric properties.
• a laminated electric switchable device 60 is placed on the levelled-up table 10 and its electric terminals (not shown) are connected to the computerized measuring device 50. Similar to an interim inspection described above, in a non-limiting manner, the final inspection includes applying the square wave of 70 VAC to the electric switchable device 60 at frequencies of 25 Hz, 32 Hz and 50 Hz.
• current consumption, resistance, capacitance, power consumption of the entire electric switchable device, power consumption per m , light transmittance and haze degree can be measured at different voltage amplitudes and frequencies, which are in the scope of the presented invention.
• the electric switchable device can include a label identifier on a glass surface or embedded inside.
• each electric switchable device is authenticated by means of recognizing outer or inner label identifier.
• the previously mentioned identifier is recognized in an electromagnetic manner.
• Other methods of label recognition are also in the scope of the present invention.
• an RFID tag, a computer chip, an inner or outer graphic label can be detectable visually and/or instrumentally.
• time resolved measurements of spectral transmittance dependence provides dynamic haze characteristic describing time resolved haze response to applying AC voltage to the electric switchable device.
• Figs 4a and 4b presenting the electric switchable device test station, which includes a test table 10, and a computerized measuring device 50.
• the electric switchable device (not shown) is placed onto a frame 70, which is horizontally or angularly positioned.
• the table is provided with a counter balancer 80.
• Figs 5a and 5b presenting the electric switchable device test station with extension bars 60 in an expanded position which provide an option of inspection of electric switchable devices of bigger sizes.
• members of the frame are provided with led bars back lighting the electric switchable device to be tested.
• Fig. 6 presenting a backlighting LED matrix, which is designed for substantially uniform backlighting of the electric switchable device of the test table.
• the previously mentioned matrix 75 comprises a number of bars 76 carrying LEDs 77, which are activated during glass testing. Any film defect or dust particles can be identified in backlight illumination provided by the matrix 75.
• Backlighting matrix 75 can be covered by a scattering (milk) glass or film to unify illumination provided by the matrix.
• Fig. 7 presenting a computerized measuring device including a main unit 52 and a display 55.
• the main unit 55 comprises a generator of square electric waves of frequency ranging between 25 Hz and 50 Hz and means for measuring optical and electrical characteristics of electric switchable devices to be tested.
• FIG. 8 presenting an optical probe device connected to the computerized measuring device capable to measure the light transmittance and haze of the tested electric switchable film or glass piece.
• This optical probe is also designed for in-situ inspection of the electric switchable device before and/or after mounting to electric switchable device check operability.
• a handheld optical probe comprising a detecting portion 61 including, for example, semiconductor optical sensor (not shown) and a handle 62.
• An operator (not shown) displaces the detecting portion 61 in directions indicated by arrows over the electric switchable device 60, which is backlighted by the matrix 75. Irregularities in optical characteristics give evidences for defects of electric switchable device.
• Fig. 10 presenting a flowchart of the described above method of producing switchable electric switchable devices 100, which includes steps 110-180. Specifically, after providing a test station (step 110), a first cover glass and adhesive interlayer film are placed onto a surface of the levelled-up table (step 120). Then, an electric switchable film is spread over the first cover glass (step 130) and electric switchable film electric terminals are connected to a computerized measuring device (step 140). The electric and optical properties of the electric switchable film are inspected by means of applying a predetermined voltage pulse train described above (step 150). After inspection of the electric switchable film (step 150), it is covered by a second cover glass and adhesive interlayer film (step 160), and lamination is performed (step 170).
• Final inspection of a ready-assembled electric switchable device is performed at step 180 and includes again measurements of current consumption, resistance, capacitance, power consumption of the film piece, power consumption per m , light transmittance and haze degree.
• the same parameters are checked in situ before and/or after glazing (step 190). Measuring electric and optical characteristics at all ranges of frequencies is in the scope the present invention.
• system 900 comprises a glass (901), and glass installing, assembling or manufacturing person (908), a glass installation table (10, 901) in connection with glass analyzing modules (903), glass analysis processing module (914), certificating and/or approving authority (919), such as the electric switchable film producer etc.
• the glass is temporarily installed on glass installation table (901).
• One or more glass analyzing modules are either reversibly movable or stationary affixed in a predefined location in connection with the table.
• the analysis data is wirelessly or in-line (via a wired communication) transferred (906) from the analyzing equipment(s) (903), via a communicating module (904), to a glass analysis processing module (914), interconnected a communication module (912).
• a computerized analysis of a pre-installed glass is provided useful.
• glass 901 is marked with or associated to a barcode, watermark, identifying data or mark thereof, or any other retrievable indicia (905).
• Such an identification of the glass provides means for identification of the glass, table (and analysis system), laboratory or analyzing personal (Glass installer 908 for example), authentication of one or more of the follows: the inspected glass, glass's analysis documents, analysis protocol, personal etc.; authorization of one or more of the follows: utilizing the said identified glass, the personal, the analyzing and communicating system etc.; verification of one or more of the follows: glass, electric switchable film or personal ID, analysis data etc.; specification of one or more of the follows: optical properties of the pre-installed glass, electric switchable film such as the optical transmittance and haze, spectroscopy parameters and uniformity thereof; payment monitoring and clearing, namely ensuring payment for the glass and its analysis, glass certification etc.; and certification (929), namely providing identified, securable certification, ensuring, inter alia, the suitability of the pre-installed glass and components thereof to a predefined protocol and standards, the analysis system, the professionalism of the personal for preparing and analyzing the glass, thereby providing said certificate a basis for further
• an electric diagnostics of the switchable device is performed by a mobile (portable) testing device 940 before installation in situ.
• the testing device 940 is preprogrammed to measure current consumption, resistance, capacitance and power consumption at different voltage amplitudes and frequencies. It is according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the analysis data, glass ID (905, 911), personal identification (909) etc. is transferred by the glass analysis processing module (914) or communicating module (912) thereof to a certificating identity (919). Such a communication is provided e.g., wirelessly, see path 915, 916, and 917.
• the analysis data, glass ID (905) etc. is transferred in a feedback manner form the operator's smartphone (920) to the certificating identity (919), such as described in a communication path 908, 909, 920, 921, and 919.
• a communication path 908, 909, 920, 921, and 919 Such a path may comprise a step of communicating (911) smartphone (920) with glass barcode (905) etc.
• personal (908) is wirelessly or otherwise communicated (910) with the communication module (912).
• RFID, Bluetooth and the like are an example to such a communication means and methods.
• an electric switchable device installation tool-box application is provided.
• Said application enables a personal with respectively limit experience to install an electric switchable film within an identified pre-installed glass (901) easily, intuitively yet in a professional manner according to a predefined protocol such his/her product (901) stands within retrievable standards.
• a method of producing electric switchable devices comprising the steps of providing a re-installed glass (901) by, e.g., providing a first cover glass and a second cover glass; providing an electric switchable film; providing a first layer of adhesive interlayer and a second layer of adhesive interlayer; providing an inspection station further comprising a levelled-up table (902); providing means 903 for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; placing said first cover glass onto said levelled-up table; spreading a first layer of adhesive interlayer; spreading said PDLC film over the previously placed adhesive interlayer; spreading a second layer of adhesive interlayer; covering said PDLC film by means of said second cover glass; laminating said PDLC film between said first and second cover glasses; and inspecting said glass properties by means of said PDLC inspection station.
• the inspecting step is potentially performed before and after said step of laminating said electric switchable film.
• a method of providing a quality assurance for producing electric switchable devices comprises steps of providing an electric switchable device (901); providing an inspection station (914) further comprising a test table (902); means (903) for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; placing said glass onto said table; and inspecting said properties by means of said inspection station.
• the inspecting step is potentially performed before and after said step of laminating said electric switchable.
• a method of producing electric switchable devices comprises the steps of: (a) providing a first cover glass and a second cover glass; (b) providing a PDLC film or any other electrically switchable film; (c) providing a first layer of adhesive interlayer and a second layer of adhesive interlayer; (d) providing an inspection station further comprising: (i) a levelled-up table; (ii) means for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices selected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; (e) placing said first cover glass onto said levelled-up table; (f) spreading a first layer of adhesive interlayer (g) spreading said PDLC film over the previously placed adhesive interlayer; (h) spreading a second layer of adhesive interlayer; (i) covering said PDLC film by means of said second cover glass; (j) laminating said PDLC film between said first and second cover glasses; and (k) inspecting said glass properties by means of said PDLC
• the method comprises a step of projecting extension bars configured for supporting oversized electric switchable devices.
• the method comprises a step of tilting said electric switchable devices.
• the step of inspecting mechanical properties comprises visually inspecting a glass surface and measuring glass overall dimensions.
• the step of inspecting optical properties comprises measuring optical transmittance/haze of the electric switchable device and uniformity thereof over said electric switchable device.
• the step of inspecting optical properties comprises inspecting a haze degree by means of measuring a time resolved spectral dependence of transmittance pertaining to said electric switchable device.
• the step of inspecting optical properties comprises illuminating said electric switchable device by backlight LED.
• the step of illuminating said electric switchable device by backlight is performed by mean of a light source selected from the group consisting of a white light source, a white light source provided with a spectral filter, a laser and any combination thereof.
• the step of inspecting optical properties is performed by at least 5 sensors distributed over a surface of the electric switchable device.
• the step of inspecting optical properties is performed by means of line-by-line scanning.
• the step of inspecting optical properties comprises inspecting specific pixels of the electric switchable film or laminated glass performed by microscopic means.
• the step of inspecting electric properties comprises measuring values of electric current, resistance, capacitance and power consumption.
• the step of measuring values of electric current and power consumption is performed by a square wave 70 VAC at frequency ranging between 25 and 50 Hz.
• the initial ramp-up comprises a pulse train of increasing amplitude; pulses of said train are characterized by changeable pulse duration and time interval therebetween.
• the step of measuring values of electric current and power consumption comprise an initial ramp-up at first energizing said electric switchable device.
• the step of initial ramp-up comprises a series of train pulses at an increasing amplitude.
• the electric switchable device is prevented from applying DC voltage.
• the method comprises a step of authenticating said electric switchable device.
• the step of authenticating said electric switchable device is performed by means of recognizing a label identifier on a surface of said electric switchable device or embedded into said electric switchable device.
• the label identifier is an electromagnetically detectable label.
• the label identifier is selected from the group consisting of an RFID tag, a computer chip, a graphic label on a surface of said electric switchable device or therewithin, which is detectable visually and/or instrumentally.
• the step of authenticating said electric switchable device comprises real time reporting malfunction incidents to a manufacturer server in a wireless manner.
• the step of inspecting electric properties is performed before installing said electric switchable device in situ.
• the step of inspecting electric properties performed before installing said electric switchable device in situ is performed by a mobile (portable) testing device.
• a method of quality assurance producing electric switchable devices comprises the steps of: (a) providing an electric switchable device; (b) providing an inspection station further comprising: (i) a test table; (ii) means for inspecting properties of said electric switchable devices elected from the group consisting of electric properties, optical properties, mechanical properties and any combination thereof; (c) placing said glass onto said table; (d) inspecting said properties by means of said inspection station.
• a test station for inspection of an electric switchable device operative in the method is disclosed.

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